NBA: Ever improving DeRozan looks to further develop ‘much better’

Toronto Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan, right, shoots past Denver Nuggets’ Wilson Chandler during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Toronto.  AP

Toronto Raptors superstar DeMar DeRozan has made significant strides in his game since entering the NBA in 2009.

The 28-year-old shooting guard has blossomed into a three-time NBA All Star, displaying incredible foot work and a mid-range arsenal seldom used in today’s game.

After averaging a career-best 27 points per game last season, the former USC Trojan expressed his desire to keep improving on other aspects of his craft.

“Continue to get better, continue to win,” DeRozan told ESPN’ Carl Champion when asked of his goals for the upcoming season.

“Continue to grow as a player, as a leader, and keep pushing the envelope. Understand my flaws from the year previously and come back better this year.”

Entering the league primarily a slasher and a dunker, DeRozan worked hard on his ball-handling skills, which eventually translated into a formidable mid-range game.

This year, the 6’7″ athletic specimen aims to become a better playmaker and a more accurate three-point threat.

He recently posted an Instagram story of his midnight shooting session, which was posted on Twitter by Raptors beat reporter Josh Lewnberg.

DeMar DeRozan hit 64% of his 700 3pt attempts during a late-night workout, according to his IG story pic.twitter.com/why2crAqoQ

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) July 25, 2017

With the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics expected to rule the East once more this coming season, DeRozan understands that his improvement will be vital if the Raptors will be contenders once more.

“It’s great to have this opportunity to carry a franchise, and just show them that I come back every year much better,” he shared.  Khristian Ibarrola /ra